John Harbaugh and the Giants: 5 areas the coach can address
John Harbaugh’s track record of winning is music to the Giants’ ears after years of struggling. But as he and the Giants finalize their deal for him to become their coach, there is plenty of work to be done to improve this team.
He inherits a team with promising players, yet one that went 4-13. A coach can raise the floor, but for Harbaugh to do that, he has to fix several things right away.
Here are five areas for Harbaugh to address:
1. Help Jaxson Dart take the second-year leap
Joe Schoen had singled out Dart’s growth as something his next coach has to focus on with a clear plan. Now he’s got a coach with success at developing a first round, dual-threat quarterback.
Lamar Jackson’s second MVP came in his first season with Ravens coordinator Todd Monken in 2023. If Monken follows Harbaugh to the Giants, as reports indicate, then they need to bring out a similar level of growth in Dart.
Dart thrived as a runner and being creative making plays. His pocket presence could use more work, but Dart was great protecting the ball and limiting mistakes. Monken’s offense also utilized tight end Mark Andrews often, something Dart has done by building chemistry with Theo Johnson.
If Harbaugh and his staff can improve Dart’s ability to use his arm and be smart with his legs, Dart could take a jump forward in Year Two similar to what the Bears’ Caleb Williams and Patriots’ Drake Maye did this season.
“That’s certainly an opportunity that you look at those franchises and how they put it together in a quick turnaround,” Schoen said. “In an ideal world, yeah, that would be it.”
2. Build up the receiving corps
The good news is the Giants’ excellent running game plays right into Harbaugh’s and Monken’s hands. They were a run-heavy offense in Baltimore, and that should continue with Dart, Cam Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary.
But the Giants’ offense can’t be one-dimensional. Jackson wasn’t throwing to All-Pro receivers in Baltimore, but Dart, who isn’t as talented as Jackson, needs more help from his receivers if he is to elevate his game. He has a star No. 1 receiver in Malik Nabers, but who will step up into that second role?
That’s where the No. 5 pick the Giants have comes in handy. They could draft a receiver or they could use the pick to trade for an experienced one. With Nabers recovering from an ACL injury, the Giants need pass-catching insurance along with help for him.
3. Bolster the offensive line
The Ravens’ running game has been one of the league’s best since 2018. It’s not just because of Jackson and adding Derrick Henry two years ago. It’s great blocking up front by the offensive line.
The good news is Harbaugh has left tackle Andrew Thomas, who finally was healthy and dominant again this season. The bad news is the Giants have two starting linemen who are free agents and although they were fifth in rushing this past season, their interior line play has been shaky.
This could be one of the harder challenges when Harbaugh evaluates his personnel. Whether or not the Giants re-sign guard Greg Van Roten or tackle Jermaine Eluemunor, the run blocking needs to improve. How Harbaugh does that, either via draft or free agency, will decide if the Giants can remain an effective running team.
4. Develop or find better inside linebackers
Harbaugh had middle linebacker Roquan Smith patrolling the field the last four seasons. Smith made his third straight Pro Bowl this season after being an All-Pro selection in 2023 and 2024.
That’s production the Giants are missing. Bobby Okereke came on strong to end the season but has struggled since 2023. Micah McFadden played only game before suffering a season-ending foot injury. Darius Muasau had a sophomore slump despite a bigger role.
Harbaugh’s defenses have thrived with dominant middle linebackers. He’ll enjoy the Giants’ excellent pass rushers in Brian Burns, Dexter Lawrence and Abdul Carter. But for this defense to meet his standard, the inside linebackers must raise their game or Harbaugh have to find better options.
5. Fix the secondary
Besides special teams, Harbaugh’s background includes coaching defensive backs. That matters; the Giants’ secondary too often let them down last season.
Too many big plays given up at the wrong times. Poor angles on tackling to allow big runs. Too many penalties on nickel back Dru Phillips. Cornerback Deonte Banks allowing big catches by not tracking the ball.
Harbaugh has to figure out what’s wrong and take care of it. Whether it’s coaching or technique, he must shore up the back end of the Giants’ defense. This comes with a warning: The Ravens were 30th last season in passing defense and 31st in 2024.
Evan Barnes covers the Giants for Newsday. He previously covered the Brooklyn Nets, Memphis football and the Memphis Grizzlies and also covered prep sports in Los Angeles.
